What causes crooked or crowded teeth?
Most crowding comes down to jaw size and tooth size not quite matching. Other causes add up over time.
- A small jaw, or teeth that are large for it
- Teeth shifting after a tooth is lost
- Habits such as thumb sucking when young
- Gum disease loosening teeth
- Natural shifting with age, especially in the lower front teeth
Do crooked teeth get worse with age? Often a little. Front teeth tend to crowd slowly through adulthood, and gaps from missing teeth let others drift.
When do you need an orthodontist instead?
If teeth overlap a lot, your bite is off, or your jaw clicks or aches, cosmetic treatment would only hide the problem. Dr. Sayeed will explain why and refer you to an orthodontist, then look after your checkups and cleanings as usual.
Are crooked teeth a health problem? They can be. Overlapping teeth are harder to clean, so plaque builds up, raising the risk of decay and gum disease. An uneven bite can also wear some teeth faster.
Living with crowded teeth
- Clean between every tooth with floss or small interdental brushes, which reach crowded spots better.
- Keep up regular cleanings, since tartar builds faster where teeth overlap.
- Wear a night guard if you grind, to protect teeth that meet unevenly.
Crooked teeth questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Woodstock and across Ulster County.
Can one crooked tooth be fixed?
Often, yes. A single turned or overlapping tooth can usually be improved with bonding or a veneer.
Bonding or veneers for crooked teeth?
Bonding suits small changes on one or two teeth and costs less. Veneers suit several front teeth and last longer.
Is it okay to leave crooked teeth alone?
Yes, if they’re easy to clean and your bite is comfortable. Many people do.
Do crooked teeth change your face shape?
Mild crowding doesn’t. A significant bite problem can affect how the lower face looks, which is an orthodontic question.
Do you see teens with crooked teeth?
Yes. We check whether bonding or veneers are suitable, and refer teens to an orthodontist when moving the teeth is the right answer.
